5 MLB Sluggers Likely to Be Traded Before July 31

Major League Baseball is at the halfway point in the 2014 season, which means it’s time for teams decide whether they will need players to make a run (i.e. become buyers) or fold their cards and try to add players for the future (i.e. become sellers). Among the most widespread needs, the lack of offense around baseball has made teams desperate for an impact-worthy bat.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has already gone on the record saying the team would be active on the trade market, which makes organizations salivate at the idea of dumping an expensive player for a prospect like, say, John Ryan Murphy. Meanwhile, the Yankees aren’t the only team looking to score more runs. The Cardinals, Red Sox, Nationals, and the Braves all rank among the worst ten teams in run production. Here are five power hitters whose names are likely to come up early and often before the the July 31 MLB trade deadline.

Source: Keith Allison, Flickr

1. Seth Smith, Padres

Among all MLB teams, the consensus is the Padres are the only one that has already gone into “sell” mode. They have hitters capable of making an impact offensively, so there are plenty of gains to be had for San Diego on the 2014 trade market. The list begins with Seth Smith.

Smith has shown plenty of pop in his bat in 2014 with a nifty slugging percentage of .485 (courtesy of 6 HR, 15 2B, and 4 3B). Teams looking for outfield help along with a potent bat may come calling. Smith’s .385 OBP is another thing many teams will covet. There is only half a season left on Smith’s current ($4.5 million) contract, so buyers will be making a rental of Smith should they cut a deal with San Diego.